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Reach for the skies of New Zealand

As its neighbour Australia opened up to tourists this February, New Zealand unveiled plans to open its own borders and British passport holders will be able to visit from July. In other news, this June will be the first time that Kiwis celebrate Matariki – the midwinter star constellation that marks the Māori New Year – as an official public holiday. It’s a time to remember loved ones who have died and look to the stars for inspiration. Thanks to a lack of light pollution, New Zealand boasts exceptional stargazing and is bidding to become the world’s first dark sky nation.

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Europe’s hottest cultural hubs

Three cities share the European Capital of Culture title for 2022: Esch-sur-Alzette in Luxembourg, Kaunas in Lithuania (pictured) and Novi Sad in Serbia. The initiative sees the cities receive support for a year-long celebration of art and culture so it’s a great time to visit. Kaunas is Lithuania’s second city but between 1920 and 1939 it was the capital, nicknamed ‘Little Paris’ because of its rich cultural life. Highlights include the pretty treelined Laisves Avenue, funky street art, beautiful architecture including Art Deco and Germanic styles, Kaunas Fortress, (one of the largest in Europe) and a striking holocaust monument and museum.

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New routes into America

British Airways has a host of new flights kicking off this year, including two to the U.S. Its new route to Portland in Oregon (pictured), which was originally supposed to start in 2020, and the returning service to Pittsburgh, both launch in June. Sitting beneath the snow-capped Mount Hood, hipster Portland is famous for great coffee, independent shops and being one of America’s most walkable and eco-friendly cities. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is known for its pierogies (filled Polish dumplings), thriving arts scene (including the Andy Warhol Museum) and high-energy night life and music scene.

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